Google Fi vs AT&T: Plans Compared

Signing up with AT&T means you get the full postpaid carrier experience, with great coverage, generous hotspot data allowances, and extra perks. It also means, of course, high prices: AT&T’s phone plans are some of the most expensive on the market. 

Going with Google Fi Wireless means forgoing some of these major carrier benefits for lower prices. If you can do without extra hotspot allowances and massive premium data guarantees, Google Fi’s low prices may be attractive enough to convince you to sign up. 

Read on as we explore the differences between AT&T and Google Fi. 

Google Fi vs AT&T: Similarities

• Both offer multiple unlimited plans.
• Both AT&T and Google Fi’s plans include international travel privileges.  
• Both sell a range of mid-range and flagship smartphones, from Samsung devices to Apple iPhones.
• Both AT&T and Google Fi allow you to sign up for multiple lines of service (also known as family plans), which result in cost savings. 
• Neither include taxes and fees in their advertised prices.

Google Fi vs AT&T: Differences

• AT&T’s plans are postpaid—meaning you pay for your service at the end of the month—whereas Google Fi’s are prepaid, and can be paid for in advance. 
• AT&T’s unlimited plans come with additional mobile hotspot data allotments; Google Fi’s hotspot data gets extracted from your primary monthly data allowance. 
• AT&T operates its own nationwide system of 4G and 5G networks. Google Fi subleases network space from T-Mobile. 
• AT&T’s plans are among the most expensive around, while Google Fi’s are more affordable. 

Google Fi vs AT&T: Unlimited Plans

AT&T sells four unlimited plans: the premium Unlimited Premium PL ($85.99/month) and Unlimited Extra EL ($75.99/month), the mid-range Unlimited Starter SL ($65.99/month), and the entry-level Value Plus VL ($50.99/month). All but Unlimited Starter SL include monthly mobile hotspot data allowances, not to mention unlimited talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada. 

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Google Fi offers two unlimited plans: the entry-level $50/month Simply Unlimited, and the mid-range $65/month Unlimited Plus. 

Unlimited Plus is the way to go if you’re looking for an unlimited plan that includes lots of premium data (50GB) and international perks (data in 200+ international destinations, calls from the U.S. to 50+ destinations). It also includes an unlimited mobile hotspot allowance, although that data comes out of your overall monthly data allotment. 

Google Fi’s Simply Unlimited plan is a more modest —albeit less expensive—offering, with 35GB of monthly premium data, 5GB/month of hotspot data, and unlimited talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada.

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What Is an Unlimited Plan?  An unlimited data plan is a phone plan that comes with unlimited data, but not all of these plans include the same kind of unlimited data. The lowest-priced unlimited plans typically offer unlimited deprioritized data that is subject to slowdowns when networks are busy, but no premium data (aka high-speed data). Mid-tier unlimited plans usually include a combo of high-speed data, capped to a certain amount, and unlimited deprioritized data. The most expensive unlimited plans are where you’ll get truly unlimited premium data without  restrictions.

Google Fi vs AT&T: Capped Plans

AT&T offers a single capped data option, the AT&T 4GB plan ($50/month). As its name suggests, this plan gives you 4GB of data to use per month, but it’s important to note that this is deprioritized data, so it's subject to slowdowns during times of network congestion. Also, the plan isn't eligible for any device promotions that AT&T happens to be running at a given time. 

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Google Fi’s sole capped plan offering is the Flexible plan, which costs $20/month, plus $10 for each GB of data. The plan allows for hotspot usage, although it counts against your overall monthly data. If you tend to stay connected to Wi-Fi most of the time—or just don’t use much data—Flexible can be a good cost-saving option. 

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What Is a Capped Plan? Also known as “By the Gig” plans, capped plans offer customers a set amount of data per month instead of unlimited data. Capped plan data is deprioritized meaning it can be slowed when a network is congested. Capped data plans can be a cost-effective alternative to unlimited plans as long as you’re ok with deprioritized data and you don’t exceed your monthly cap since doing so can result in significant fees.

Google Fi vs AT&T: Coverage

AT&T’s national 4G LTE and 5G networks spread to all corners of the country, so no matter where you are, you’re likely to enjoy fast, reliable coverage. AT&T’s 4G coverage is the second-best in the country, behind Verizon; its 5G coverage is similarly impressive, trailing only T-Mobile in terms of nationwide reach. 

Google Fi makes use of larger carrier T-Mobile’s national system of 4G and 5G networks to provide its customers with generally reliable coverage. It's important to note, however, that Google Fi’s reliance on subleased network space can in some instances result in slightly inferior service. Major carriers tend to prioritize their customers ahead of those who use their networks via smaller carriers like Google Fi and Mint Mobile, at least in times of network congestion. 

The Bottom Line

AT&T and Google Fi are two very distinct types of cell phone carriers. AT&T is a massive postpaid brand that operates its own network; Google Fi is a smaller postpaid provider that makes use of T-Mobile's network. AT&T’s plans include huge premium data and hotspot allowances; Google Fi’s plans offer more limited premium and hotspot allotments. AT&T’s plans are among the most expensive on the market; Google Fi’s are far lower in price. 

If you’re seeking a premium postpaid experience, you’ll definitely want to opt for AT&T. However, if you’re interested in saving a few bucks, Google Fi is a highly reputable prepaid carrier that’s definitely worth considering. 

Still not sure which plan is right for you? Check out our article on what to look for in a wireless plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the downsides of Google Fi?

The biggest downside of Google Fi is that you’ll miss out on some perks offered by major carriers like AT&T, such as larger hotspot data allowances and priority on their own networks. Since Google Fi relies on T-Mobile’s infrastructure, your service might be deprioritized during peak times, which can affect speeds. However, if you don’t need premium features and want to save money with prepaid plans, Google Fi could still be a great choice.

Does Google Fi use AT&T’s network?

No, Google Fi doesn’t use AT&T’s network—it runs on T-Mobile’s in the U.S. As an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator), it doesn’t have its own towers. Instead, it relies on T-Mobile for 4G LTE and 5G coverage.

Does Google Fi give you a phone number?

Yes, Google Fi Wireless gives you a new phone number when you activate your plan. You can also keep your previous number from another carrier.